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ANNIE
The Bluebird BookClub was a club that dreams were made of—sweet friends, the occasional smutty book, and lots and lots of booze. Feeling lighter than air, with my arms loaded down with a few bottles of Prosecco, I followed the voices coming from the back of Bluebird Books. Nestled in the reading nook, the Bluebirds sat in chairs and on cozy couches and cushy poufs. The familiar scent of old pages and fresh coffee filled my senses.
“Hey, gals!” I smiled and greeted everyone from Sylvie and MJ King to my high school chemistry teacher.
Women from all ages and walks of life in town—King, Sullivan, and everyone in between—came together as a part of the Bluebird Book Club. Outtatowner, Michigan, may be a small coastal town, but the gossip flowed like waves crashing on the shore. The Bluebird Book Club was a source of friendship and connection.
It was my happy place.
I deposited the bottles at the makeshift bar before popping the cork on one and pouring myself a healthy portion.
Raising the glass, I called out, “Cheers, ladies!”
I took a sip, and the fizzing bubbles tickled my nose. Conversations flowed around me as I settled into a worn-in high-back chair. I loved that chair. It cupped my butt perfectly.
As I settled into my usual spot, surrounded by friends and familiar faces, a sense of belonging washed over me. The Bluebird Book Club had become my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the uncertainties of life and indulge in laughter and friendship.
Tonight that sanctuary was exactly what I needed.
Kate and Lark were on either side of me with Kate leaned in and gushing over her latestHome Againproject. A mixture of determination and dreamy happiness washed over her face. I was so happy for my friend. After a rocky path of wasted years dating a total asshole, she’d found her happily-ever-after—with her ex-boyfriend’s hotter older brother, of all people.
Soon the discussion shifted to the upcoming date remix. Excitement and anticipation simmered throughout the group. Nothing was more exciting than stirring up a little drama in Outtatowner. The remix was a chance for those paired up in the auction to get a second chance with someone they were more suited to. I immediately glanced at Sylvie, who was practically salivating at the idea ofanyoneother than Stumpy Larson.
My heart skipped a beat as I listened, knowing I was still matched with Lee.
Suddenly a hushed whisper reached my ears. “Annie, have you heard? Charles wants to be paired with you for the date remix.” MJ King leaned in, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected revelation. In the time Charles had been in Outtatowner, the suave sommelier had made quite an impression on the women of the town.
But the crush I had once harbored on him no longer held its appeal. Rather, it fell flat and out of place.
I mustered a smile. “Oh, really? That’s... flattering.”
“Charles can get bent.” Kate shot a disgusted sound out of her nose, and Lark nearly choked on her vodka soda.
MJ’s knowing gaze didn’t escape me. She had always been perceptive, able to read between the lines. She leaned closer, her voice filled with concern. “Are you going to take him up on it? I mean... this could finally mean the next step for you two.”
My heart skipped another beat as I thought of Lee.
The next step.
At one time, I’d hoped that Charles would be interested in something more than casual dates at random intervals. He was polished and charming and sophisticated. The only problem was, he wasn’t Lee. And now that things between Lee and me had shifted, I couldn’t imagine going back to feeling the same way about Charles.
“I’ll take him.” Sylvie King leaned in, inserting herself into the conversation. Her eyes were steady and serious, as they often were.
“You’re interested in being matched with Charles?” MJ reared back and looked at her sister in dismay.
Sylvie shrugged. “I’d literally takeanyoneat this point,” she whispered.
A titter of giggles erupted between our fivesome, and we all agreed that Stumpy was theworst.
I raised my glass. “He’s all yours.”
With determined eyes, Sylvie stood and marched up to where Tootie, Bug, and several other women were arranging, then rearranging, names on a board to come up with fresh combinations.
I genuinely hoped Sylvie and Charles had a fun time together. Despite the fact she was a King and a touch more reserved than her sweet-natured, outgoing little sister, Sylvie had a quiet kindness about her. Maybe she and Charles would hit it off.
“How did the move-in go?” Lark asked me, pulling my attention away from the remix.
